SD Afterschool Network

06/04/2026

Adolescence is a period where relationships, belonging, and identity formation are central to development. Research shows that strong peer connections and supportive adult relationships are protective factors for mental health.

But many young people are spending more time in digital environments while having fewer opportunities for meaningful, in-person engagement.

This isn’t just about screen time. It’s about access to environments that support healthy development.

Youth development programs help create those environments. They offer consistent relationships, dedicated spaces, and engaging opportunities where young people can build skills, confidence and a sense of belonging as they find their footing in the world.

These experiences don’t happen by chance. They are intentionally built to keep young people engaged and coming back.

If new public resources become available through social media litigation, investing in these programs is a practical way to strengthen the conditions that support youth well-being.

Fund IRL is working to ensure that connection is part of the response.

Join us: FundIRL.org.

06/02/2026

South Dakota’s working families need strong out-of-school time opportunities and the new Child Care Task Force report highlights why.

📊 About 60,000 school-age children in South Dakota need afterschool or summer care, but only 20,000 are currently being served.

💲 The average annual cost of care is nearly $7,900, placing a significant burden on families.

👥 Workforce shortages continue to challenge programs, with many staff earning near or below $15 per hour, leading to high turnover and limited enrollment.

⭐ Consistent, high-quality experiences for children depend on stable staffing, but frequent turnover makes that increasingly difficult.

The report, Practical Pathways for Supporting Working Families Through Out-of-School Time, outlines actionable recommendations to expand access, strengthen the workforce, improve affordability, and support quality programs across South Dakota.

Every child deserves access to safe, engaging learning opportunities beyond the school day and every family deserves the support they need to thrive.

Learn more by reading the full report here: https://bit.ly/3PPBYea

05/31/2026

This story highlights one of the key findings that helped drive the work of the South Dakota Out-of-School Time Task Force: nearly 40,000 South Dakota children would participate in an afterschool program if one were available.

While SDAN helped support this effort, the report and recommendations come from the Childcare Task Force itself. That includes groups and individuals such as SDAEYC, Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, Senator Tim Reed, and many more. The final report represents months of discussion, research, data analysis, and input from partners across South Dakota who care deeply about children, families, workforce participation, and community success.

There is a lot more behind these numbers than can't always fit into a news story. We encourage you to take some time to explore the full report and recommendations and consider what they mean for your community.

The conversation doesn’t end with the report. In many ways, it’s just beginning.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The need for childcare doesn’t stop once the children are in school, as a new report on after-school child care points out. The South Dakota Afterschool Network (SDAN) released its task force report, “Practical Pathways for Supporting Working Families Through Out-of-...

05/28/2026

There's still time to join us Thursday, May 28 at 11 AM CT for the release of the South Dakota OST Task Force Report: Practical Pathways for Supporting Working Families Through Out-of-School Time.

This important conversation will dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping South Dakota’s Out-of-School Time landscape, including access, quality, workforce, and long-term sustainability for programs serving children and families across our state.

Register now to attend and learn more at: https://bit.ly/SDOSTReport

05/26/2026

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 11 AM CT for the release of the South Dakota OST Task Force Report: Practical Pathways for Supporting Working Families Through Out-of-School Time.

This important conversation will dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping South Dakota’s Out-of-School Time landscape, including access, quality, workforce, and long-term sustainability for programs serving children and families across our state.

We’re grateful to partner alongside Early Learner South Dakota, SDAEYC, Senator Tim Reed, Afterschool Alliance and many others through the Childcare Taskforce in advancing solutions that support South Dakota youth and working families.

Register now to attend and learn more at: https://bit.ly/SDOSTReport

05/26/2026

Summer programs earn high marks! 98% of South Dakota parents with a child in a summer program have a positive experience! See what parents are saying at https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/south-dakota/demand

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives protecting our freedoms.

05/19/2026

Too many South Dakota young people are missing out on safe, engaging summer opportunities. 2 in 5 children in South Dakota do not have access to a program that their families want for them. Read more about unmet demand in https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/south-dakota/demand

05/18/2026

The data is in! NEW data sheds light on summer program participation, unmet demand, and parent perspectives! Join the official release webinar to dig into the findings, hear policy recommendations, and ask your questions to a panel of experts. Register now to save your spot: https://afterschoolalliance.org/webinars.cfm?ID=4B4CF968-5056-A82E-7A2A64E7D99F5223

05/12/2026

Across the country, parents, schools, policymakers, and the public are confronting a complex question:

What do young people actually need to thrive in a digital world?

The research is increasingly clear on one point.
Young people’s well-being is shaped not only by what they experience online, but by the relationships, opportunities, and sense of belonging they have in their daily lives.

It’s in these spaces that they build confidence, explore who they are, and experience joy.

Youth well-being and development programs provide those conditions. They are not enrichment. They are part of the prevention infrastructure that supports healthy development.

At the same time, social media litigation is advancing in multiple states. If those cases result in settlements, public leaders will face decisions about how those resources are used.

Fund IRL is a national coalition working to ensure that if social media lawsuits result in financial settlements, those resources are invested in programs, services, and “in real life” opportunities that promote youth well-being and healthy development.

This is a moment to define what meaningful investment in youth well-being looks like.

Join the coalition and help shape what comes next: FundIRL.org.